Key Facts at a Glance

Hohensalzburg Fortress sits atop the Festungsberg (Fortress Mountain) high above Salzburg and, with over 7,000 m² of built-up area, is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castle complexes in Europe. Built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard, this prominent fortification served the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg as a refuge and symbol of their power. It is considered impregnable, as it has never been conquered by force in its nearly thousand-year history. Today, this landmark of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as a museum and event venue, attracts over a million visitors annually.

Origins and History

The history of the fortress begins during the Investiture Controversy – the power struggle between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor in the 11th century. In 1077, Archbishop Gebhard von Helfenstein commissioned the construction of an initial Romanesque fortification on the Kienberg (the present-day Festungsberg) to protect his possessions against imperial troops.

Under his successors, the complex was continuously expanded:

15th century: During the threat of the Turkish Wars and the Hungarian War, the archbishops expanded the castle into a massive fortress.

Golden age under Leonhard von Keutschach (1495–1519): He significantly shaped the fortress’s present appearance. In addition to reinforcing the outer works, he had the interior remodeled into a magnificent late Renaissance residence. His personal coat of arms – a turnip – is carved into the stone in over 50 locations throughout the fortress.

Peasants’ War (1525): The fortress faced its only true test during the Salzburg Peasants’ War. Rebellious peasants and miners besieged the castle but failed to breach its impregnable fortifications.

After the secularization of the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg in 1803, the fortress lost its strategic importance. It served temporarily as a barracks and a prison in the 19th century before being opened to tourism at the end of the century.

Architecture and Sights

Hohensalzburg Fortress is divided into the central High Tower (the core structure) and the surrounding bastions, towers, and outer bailey.

The Prince’s Rooms: They are among the most important secular Gothic ensembles in Europe. Of particular note are the Golden Room with its richly carved, gold-decorated wooden ceilings, and the Golden Hall, whose pillars are made of red and white Adnet marble. A technical masterpiece of the period is the magnificent majolica tiled stove from 1501.

• The Salzburg Bull: The Reckturm (Reck Tower) houses a mechanical organ dating from 1502. This oldest functioning barrel organ in the world still resounds daily after the tower music, echoing over the rooftops of the Old Town.
• Local Museums: The Fortress Museum displays exhibits on the life of the Prince-Bishop and the building’s history. The complex also houses the Rainer Regiment Museum (military history of the Salzburg House Regiment) and the Puppet Museum.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Hohensalzburg Fortress is open year-round. Visitors have two options for reaching the fortress:

On foot: A steep but scenic footpath leads up Festungsgasse to the main gate in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Fortress Railway: Since 1892, a funicular railway has connected the Old Town with the fortress. Today’s modern panoramic railway takes less than a minute for the journey.

In addition to its regular museum operations, the fortress now serves as the venue for the renowned Fortress Concerts in the Golden Hall and as a course location for the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts.

festung-hohensalzburg.at

+43 662 84 24 30 – 14

1. All-Inclusive Ticket

Includes: Fortress grounds, Panorama Tour, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum, Arsenal, as well as the Princes’ Chambers & Magic Theater.

• Incl. round trip (Fortress Funicular):
  • Adults: €19.20
  • Children (6–14 years): €7.30
  • Persons with disabilities (50% or higher): €17.80
• Walking route (ascent on foot, incl. descent via funicular):
  • Adults: €14.50
  • Children (6–14 years): €5.60

2. Basic Ticket

Includes: Fortress grounds, Panorama Tour, Fortress Museum, Rainer Regiment Museum, Marionette Museum & Arsenal (excluding Princes’ Chambers).

• Incl. round trip (Fortress Funicular):
  • Adults: €15.50
  • Children (6–14 years): €6.30
  • Persons with disabilities (50% or higher): €14.20
• Walking route (ascent on foot, incl. descent via funicular):
  • Adults: €12.00
  • Children (6–14 years): €4.90

3. Panorama Ticket (May–September only: 8.30 – 10 am & 6- 8 pm)

Includes: Courtyards, bastions, chapel, panoramic tour & observation tower (museums excluded).

• Incl. round trip (funicular):
  • Adults: €12.80
  • Children (6–14 years): €5.20
• Walking up (incl. funicular ride down):
  • Adults: €9.80
  • Children (6–14 years): €4.00

Savings tips & information

• Salzburg Card: With the Salzburg Card, one-time admission—including fast-track access to the funicular—is free.
• Dogs: Allowed on the fortress grounds free of charge (must be kept on a leash).
• Online tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance via the official website to avoid waiting times at the ticket counters.

By car

Hohensalzburg Fortress is located in the heart of Salzburg’s historic, largely car-free Old Town. Consequently, it is not possible to drive your own car directly to the fortress gate. The nearest parking garage is the Mönchsberg Garage.

By public transport

Trolleybus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, and 10; get off at the Rathaus or Ferdinand-Hanusch-Platz stop. From there, it is an 8–10 minute walk through the Old Town—via Residenzplatz and Kapitelplatz—to the valley station of the funicular railway.